Georgie Boy earned his wings Dec. 10, 2016

[MikeMurphy]

Re: Thyroid Issues or Old Age?

Hi
Thanks for your response. Our regular vet says the test results rule it out and said case closed. I think we'll have to take him to the IM specialist that he has seen before.
Did you find that your dogs behaviour changed much? George seems quite anxious for periods each day, which is quite hard on him and us...

Hi again... I'm thinking that it would be a good idea to consult with his IMS. I had to do the same thing with Lily after her original vet wrote off the possibility of hypothyroidism. Her IMS confirmed that she did indeed have it. Your instincts may be pointing you in the right direction. Lily didn't have behavior issues, but she did have several other symptoms like rat tail hair loss, high cholesterol and high triglycerides.

Like Holli mentioned, Lily's hypothyroidism caused her to be insulin resistant.

Mike

[bonh]

Excess Drinking Causes?

Hi
My little JRT is coming up to 15 and 4 years diabetic. He has had many different health issues for years the main ones being atopy, diabetes and kidney disease.

He has in the last year starting displaying signs of dementia / cognitive dysfunction. He has seen a specialist, they said he may have a brain tumour and that we could do an MRI but because we wouldn't operate or want to put him under anesthetic we didn't bother.
He has had ongoing gastric issues and has had a couple of flare ups of gastritis and is on daily meds for this.
My latest issue with him is that after each meal he drinks a lot of water over the course of a couple of hours despite his BG being in good range & then needs to go out for a wee throughout the night or has an accident in the house.

We have had some bloods done in the last week and are waiting the results, his last bloods showed that his kidney values were in good range but he loses protein in his urine, this has also been tested within the last few months and was ok. He also seems to be concentrating his urine ok.

Our regular vet thinks it may be something to do with his dementia.
I'm wondering if it may be something to do with his gut.

Has anyone experienced anything similar?
Thanks in advance.

[jesse girl]

Re: Excess Drinking Causes?

I have no experience with the symptoms you are seeing with the excess drinking but i tend to agree with you that the gastric problems could be the problem because it seems that you see the problem after eating

maybe you could experiment maybe give a smaller meal and see if the drinking is reduced or even fast for a day and if the problem is reduced the meal is having some impact

My jesse gets one meal a day so its something that can be done and may alleviate the problem for half a day or maybe go with more smaller meals . Of course this would affect regulation and would need to adjust the dose of insulin

now could it be as the vet said and is basically drinking because the mind is just not telling the pup to stop. i guess thats possible . In almost all cases you would not want to restrict water but if the body doesnt have a need for this excessive water i guess you could try to restrict some and see how it goes

[k9diabetes]

Re: Excess Drinking Causes?

Cushing's disease can also increase thirst and thus urination. It could show up on the blood work as elevated liver values.

I too might try restricting his water after his meal at least for a few days to see how he reacts. It could be a psychological thing or that he would drink a lot if it's handy and not care if it isn't.

If he seems miserable without access to water after his meals, then I would let him have the water and see what else might work... maybe an anti-nausea medication would be worth trying?

I imagine he's on quite a few meds already. There is a med that can help with K9 dementia... maybe worth a try.

[amydunn19]

Re: Georgie Boy - Drinking Lots of Water, BG good

Maggie had dementia and she would drink and drink and drink but her blood sugar was fine. I think she sometimes thought that she finally found the bowl and lord knows when she might find it again. She seemed fine when I would take it up and would just trot off to the next thing. I think they really just lose track. It is a sad little journey but she was such a sweet little thing - I am so thankful dementia didn't take away the sweetness. She was no longer as affectionate but she wanted me so close to her so I tried to stay as close as I could.

Try taking up the water and see if the reaction is bad.

[bonh]

Re: Georgie Boy - Drinking Lots of Water, BG good

He does sound very similar to Maggie.
The vet has messaged and the bloods look like the last ones done a few months ago. His liver values are slightly elevated but puts this down to him being diabetic. His kidney values are good.
He's already on zitac for his gastric issues, might see if there's anything else I could try for his gut & pick his water bowl up after a couple of visits or after 8pm. I could really do with more than 2 hours sleep at a time.

[bonh]

Re: Excess Drinking Causes?

What's the med for k9 dementia?

[amydunn19]

Maggie was on anipryl. It stopped the progression of her dementia or at least slowed it down.

[bonh]

Re: Georgie Boy - Drinking Lots of Water, BG good



My cherub bear earned his wings on Saturday. After ongoing gastric issues he had a bad night on Friday, the vet suspected pancreatitis. He was in considerable pain & I couldn't bear to hospitalise him with his dementia.

He was 15, diabetic for nearly 4 years & made more come backs than Sylvester Stallone. We miss him so much but feel blessed for the time we shared.

For anyone reading that is new to diabetes, please don't give up.
George had so many different medical issues but proved on so many occasions that all he needed was a chance. Don't be afraid to ask questions and second guess your vet. We moved vets several times until we found one that was patient, open minded & could admit that he wasn't always right.

Thanks so much to moderators & veterans on the forum, without you we wouldn't have got this far.

[stylynjm]

Re: Georgie Boy - Drinking Lots of Water, BG good

Awwww,so sorry for your loss. ..sounds like he fought a good fight... bless you for your dedication and love.I'm sure he knew how much he was loved.
Rip sweet boy.

[MomofGus]

Re: Georgie Boy - Drinking Lots of Water, BG good

I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP sweet Georgie Boy.

[farrwf]

Re: Georgie Boy - Drinking Lots of Water, BG good

So sorry to hear George passed. My deep condolences to you, and yours, ... Godspeed to George.

[wild lady wolf]

Re: Georgie Boy - Drinking Lots of Water, BG good

This is what i think, that we are given little angels in each and everyone of these lovely creatures, and we are lucky to have them in our lives no matter how short or long it is.

Still it hurts to hear of another passing, so sorry for.your loss...

[jesse girl]

Re: Georgie Boy - Drinking Lots of Water, BG good

he lived a long life even with diabetes and enjoyed that dogs life write along with you

[Auddog]

I'm so sorry to read of George's passing. These pups are so special, and it is so painful to let them go. I hope that warm and happy memories can comfort you during this sad time.
My deepest condolences to you and your family, and a kiss skyward for sweet Georgie Boy,
Audrey